So begins my journey...(question for the masons)

so i finally took that first step to actually go to the local masons lodge last nite, upon being invited by the master after a short talk with him on
the phone. up until this point i have been constantly reading about the organization, and its history, and yes, hearing both sides of the coin
regarding societies views on its membership. and lets just say i just got tired of reading and researching about it, and figured why the hell dont i
just get up and go down there, and actually meet these people, to get a real vibe on how they are. because up until this point, everything has been
pushing me towards it, because every con ive read usually has come from ultra consipracy theorists, and uber right wing conservative christians, with
no valid ground to stand on, with regards to the hate towards the organization...and every pro ive read has been really impressive to me.

ive always really loved the ideology the masons have regarding, truth, charity, and above all, family. i love the community outreach...theyre always
raising money for some good cause, and i love the idea of the fellowship it can offer.

but back to my point, i went to the lodge last nite (wed. nite) and i was REALLy really impressed with the people. i was kind of nervous at first
when i got there (they were prepping for their 2nd degree ceremony), but once i introduced myself to the steward, all that nervousness just went away.
by no means am i exaggerating but everyone i met in that lodge, and i must have met at least a dozen or more...these men were the most open,
emotionally generous, caring, warm, and kindest men ive ever met. they made me feel at home, while at the same time with the understanding that they
were not selling me anything..that i had to do wut i just did...which is come to them.

they made me feel like one of them, and i wasnt even that just yet..and i could tell it wasnt forced, that this was how these men were all the
time....and honestly it really moved me. living in the world we do today where no one cares about anyone else, where u could get stabbed on the
street, and no one would look twice...it was really refreshing and moving to see this group of men, who, pardon my french, seemed to really genuinely
give a **** about something, and above all, their fellow man.

so needless to say, ive already called the master tonite, told him my sign up fee and application are ready...he invited me to meet him at the lodge
on sat. morning to give to him then...then he will elect a comittee this coming wed. of 3 people to come to my home and talk with me and my family as
well as answer any questions my wife might have for them.. then after that he said they will report back to him, and if everything looks good, i am
looking at becoming an E.A. by July. im so very excited.

but i guess my question is (directed at the masons)....how long does it usually take to get to the 3rd degree...lets say if you really took things
seriously, and you put a good deal of effort into it, and did the best you could..wuts the reasonable timeline? im not in a rush, just wondering what
it usually is. Thanks!

...for actually taking the initiative to go to the lodge and meet with the brethren. I, like you, am not a Mason yet, but if all goes well I do
intend on joining at some point in the (near?) future.

As far as your question, to the best of my understanding, it really just depends on the lodge; ie, how often they confer degrees, how fast you learn
your parts, etc. Most Masons will probably tell you not to rush it, as there is alot to take in and reflect on between the degrees. Generally I think
it takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months though, if you want a definite answer. It really depends on you and your lodge.

Cheers, and congratulations on you decision. I am sure you won't regret it.

Fantastic, you've done yourself a great service by being openminded enough to go and meet these men and see what they are about. Good for you! I'm a
little predjudice about the subject myself, as I am now studying with a coach for my 1st degree. I have not been disappointed with my experience so
far.

As far as how long it takes to become a Master Mason, it is my understanding that it can take as little as a few weeks, all the way to years,
depending on how ernestly you pursue it. But in the case of your lodge you would have to ask them.

My coach has been very easy to get in contact with and been very accomodating to me, and I'm very appreciative of him for this. I hope to be ready
to take my first degree this next week or possibly the following week. It really depends on how well I do in the next couple of days and when he
thinks I'm ready to proceed. Also, it depends on when the WM can be available.

Hey yin_yang, congratulations on taking the first step. You are first considered a mason in your heart. By taking that step and seeking out what
Freemasonry has to offer, it is believed that you are already a Freemason in your heart. Now you just have to be made a mason in your mind

Much like you, I knew nobody at the lodge when I was first interested, and I gained a lot of respect from the brethren at the lodge because I had the
balls to go down and talk with a large group of men whom I did not know, and it really showed them my desire for being part of their organization.

There used to be a rule in most lodges, throughout the US, that a mason could not spend less than 28 days between each degree. I don't know how many
Grand Lodges still practice this, but I do know that some places like Texas still do. I think 3 - 6 months is an average timeline to becoming a Master
Mason in the US. It took me a little more than 4 months to be raised.

But, like Axeman said, do not be in a hurry to get raised. There is A LOT to learn, and A LOT to take in. Nowadays, the standards for proficiency
examinations are lower than in the past, and many masons get their 3rd degree without ever really learning anything significant about the esoteric
side of Freemasonry. Do not make this mistake, as your raising will not mean anywhere near as much to you if you don't have a strong masonic
foundation to stand on.

Congratulations on both your initiative and choice to join our fine Craft. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Freemasonry like most things, you
get out of it what you put into it. Enjoy your journey and keep us updated on your progression.

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